Punjabi poet Dr Akhtar passes away

LAHORE: Leading Punjabi-language poet, critic and journalist Dr Syed Akhtar Husain Akhtar breathed his last at his residence on Tuesday. He was 72.

Dr Akhtar had been suffering from heart ailment for the last couple of months.

His funeral prayers were offered at Jamia Masjid of Sodiwal Colony, Multan Road, and were attended by a good number of Punjabi-language literati. He was laid to rest at Sodiwal Colony graveyard in the evening. Qul will be held at Jamia Masid of Sodiwal Colony at 3pm on Wednesday (today).

Dr Akhtar had been editing the Punjabi-language monthly Lehran for the last five decades. He was a member of the board of governors of the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture, secretary-general of Lehran Adabi Board, adviser to Masud Khadar Posh Trust and member of many social and educational organisations.

He was also a recipient of Bhai Veer Singh Award, Bulleh Shah Award and Saarc Literary Award.
Source: Dawn
Date:3/16/2011